SACC MELBOURNE VICTORIA
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) started a new Chapter in Melbourne in 2015. There are many Swedish companies based in Melbourne and we have seen a growing interest in the Swedish-Australian community. Our SACC and YP contacts in Melbourne are presented below.
MELBOURNE CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS
John Rieusset, Chairman Melbourne VIC Chapter
John is an innovative and internationally experienced management, strategy and marketing professional with more than 20 years within the technology sector, in large multinationals, fast-paced start-ups and family-owned businesses. Deep domain knowledge within the manufacturing, renewables, mining, rail and building and construction industries. John’s most recent position was the Country Digital Lead and Sector Lead – Food and Beverage at ABB Australia. ABB (www.abb.com) is a Swedish-Swiss global engineering and technology company. John’s scope of responsibility included leading multidisciplinary teams in the supply of motion, robotics, automation and electrification technologies into the food and beverage manufacturing industry. He also lead the ABB Australia Digital Council. John has extensive experience working in various commercial, technical and leadership positions, within the technology industry throughout Europe, Asia and Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Technology (Industrial Design) Honours from Monash University, a Master of Applied Commerce (Marketing) from the University of Melbourne and a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford. LinkedIn: John Rieusset
Olivia Alexandersson, Founder and Lead Consultant OLX STUDIOS | Melbourne
Olivia is a passionate Digital Marketing expert with a background in design and extensive experience in the digital landscape. Holding a Bachelor’s in Communication Design from Billy Blue College of Design, she has worked with various creative and marketing agencies before establishing her own consulting business.
Originally from Helsingborg, Sweden, Olivia embarked on a solo journey to Australia in 2017 to build a successful career in the digital space, following her experiences living and working in various European cities. She thrives on combining data, design, and technical expertise to craft smart communication strategies, specialising in eCommerce. LinkedIn: Olivia Alexandersson
Paul Thomas National Sales Manager, Distribution Solutions – Electrification at ABB Australia.
Paul is a National Sales Manager for ABB Australia’s Electrification Business with a proven track record of driving change and growing market share in Utility, Infrastructure, Mining and Industry based sectors, through working with customers to develop and digitalize their Electrification Solutions and Systems. He has led a number of multicultural teams in Australia, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and the Philippines over the past 15 years in both regional and global appointments. Paul is proactive and intuitive, with an ability to engage and strengthen internal and external partnerships with clients and colleagues. Recognized for creating enjoyable, positive environments and energizing teams to exceed challenging targets. He has a Mechanical Engineering background and holds an MBA from Hult International Business School. LinkedIn: Paul Thomas
Joseph Ghaly MBA, SHAVIK AI
Joseph is also the founder of Brilliant Women Global and the Director of Business Development Diversity Atlas. Joseph’s values are purpose driven, led by; curiosity, authenticity, integrity, and equity. The driving motivation in Joseph’s career is technology which enables value for the end user. Technology that enables and elevates organizational effectiveness, boosting the organization’s capacity to meet their end user goals, lifts productivity of all involved. Industries where he has seen the benefits of information technology and advanced data systems as business drivers are; telecoms, mobile internet, and the Internet of Things (IOT) with Ericsson, manufacturing and RFID with CSIRO, eHealth & telehealth with MediSecure, and education technology with Lexplore. Joseph lead the World Literacy Taskforce, an initiative of the World Literacy Foundation. Our goal at the World Literacy Taskforce is to optimize access to reading for students globally, with digital literacy solutions. Their mission is to bridge the digital divide aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDGs) education, inclusion, equality, diversity. LinkedIn: Joseph Ghaly
Benjamin Sandqvist, Honorary Consul for Sweden in Victoria
Quality Assurance Officer External Partnerships, University of Melbourne
As the Honorary Consul for Sweden in Victoria Benjamin runs the Swedish Consulate in Melbourne. Benjamin has been a member of the SACC Melbourne board since its inception. He has wide experience within Management Consultancy and Advisory particularly around Education, Migration, Government, Information Technology, Tourism and Entertainment sectors. Benjamin is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Education Agent Counsellor and holds academic qualifications in Public Administration, Policy and Migration law. Originally from Gothenburg – Sweden, Benjamin came to Melbourne in 2009 after years of working and travelling around the globe and was naturalised in 2015 and calls Melbourne his home. LinkedIn: Benjamin Sandqvist
